Fisheries License Requirements in Kenya, Licencing Body & Contacts
Summary of Key Requirements and Contacts
Licensing Body:
- Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS) – Main regulatory authority established under the Fisheries Management and Development Act No. 35 of 2016
Key Contact Information:
- Head Office: 13th Floor, NHIF Building, Ragati Road, P.O. Box 48511-00100, Nairobi
- Phone: +254 202 020 191
- Email: info@kefs.go.ke / kefs@kilimo.go.ke
- Website: www.kefs.go.ke
- Online Portal: kfes.ecitizen.go.ke
Main License Requirements:
- Valid fishing license required before fishing or transporting fish
- Fishing vessel registration certificate mandatory
- Application through Beach Management Units (BMU) for domestic craft
- License must be carried at all times while fishing
- Licenses valid for one year (up to December 31st of issue year)
- Foreign vessels require special authorization
Introduction
Kenya's fisheries sector plays a vital role in the country's economy, providing employment and food security to millions of citizens. Whether you're a small-scale fisher operating in Lake Victoria, a commercial vessel owner targeting marine resources, or an aquaculture entrepreneur, understanding the licensing requirements is essential for legal operation. The Kenya Fisheries Service oversees all fisheries licensing to ensure sustainable resource management and compliance with national regulations.
The Licensing Authority
The Kenya Fisheries Service is a body corporate established under the Fisheries Management and Development Act No. 35 of 2016, with the mandate to conserve, manage and develop Kenya's fisheries and aquaculture resources. As the primary regulatory body, KeFS is responsible for establishing conservation standards, issuing licenses, and ensuring compliance with fisheries regulations across Kenya's inland waters, territorial seas, and exclusive economic zone.
Types of Licenses Available
Kenya's fisheries regulations provide for several categories of licenses to accommodate different fishing activities:
Fisherman's License – Required for individual fishers operating in Kenya's fishery waters. This is the most common license type for artisanal and small-scale fishers.
Fishing Vessel License – Required for any vessel used for fishing operations. No person shall use any vessel for fishing in Kenya's fishery waters unless there is in force a valid certificate of registration for that vessel.
Fish Trader's License – For individuals or businesses involved in buying and selling fish and fishery products.
Aquarium Fisherman's License – For those engaged in ornamental fish collection.
Fish Movement Permit – Required when transporting fish or aquatic animals across regions or for export/import purposes.
Foreign Fishing Vessel License – Special authorization for foreign-flagged vessels to operate in Kenya's marine fishery waters.
Sport Fishing Club Registration – For recreational fishing organizations.
Additional specialized permits include oyster collectors' licenses, shell collectors' licenses, shell dealers' licenses, and crustacean dealers' licenses.
Application Process for Domestic Fishing Licenses
For domestic craft, applicants fill prescribed forms through their Beach Management Units (BMU), which evaluate the application and forward it to the County Director of Fisheries, who then forwards it to the Director General of KeFS through regional offices for consideration. If approved, the applicant pays the required fees and receives the license.
The application process typically involves:
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Obtain Application Forms – Forms can be downloaded from the KeFS website or obtained from regional offices and BMU offices.
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Complete Application – Provide detailed information including personal identification, vessel details (if applicable), type of fishing activity, and intended fishing areas.
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Submit Through Proper Channels – Domestic fishers must submit through their local BMU, while other applicants can submit directly to KeFS offices or through the eCitizen platform.
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Inspection – For fishing vessels, the Director General inspects the vessel for sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, monitoring and conforms service, and port state measures, and inspects the worthiness certificate from the Kenya Maritime Authority.
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Licensing Committee Review – Applications are evaluated by an internal licensing committee.
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Payment of Fees – Upon approval, applicants pay prescribed fees and receive their licenses.
Key Regulatory Requirements
All licensed fishers must comply with several important regulations:
License Display and Possession – Fishers must keep their fishing license with them at all times while fishing or transporting fish and must exhibit their license for inspection by any warden, department employee, guide or landowner upon request.
Vessel Marking – Registered vessels must display their registration number on both sides in bold letters with a prefix reflecting the state of registration.
Fishing Gear Restrictions – Specific regulations govern net mesh sizes, with restrictions on fishing gear constructed with net webbing of less than 76 millimeters for most applications.
Import/Export Restrictions – No person is allowed to export or import a live fish or any other aquatic animal without the permission of the Minister, with violations carrying fines up to Ksh. 2,000 or imprisonment for up to five years.
Non-Transferability – Licenses and permits issued under fisheries regulations are not transferable between individuals or vessels.
License Validity and Renewal
Fishing licenses in Kenya are typically valid for one year from the date of issue or until December 31st of the year in which they are issued, whichever comes first. License holders must renew their licenses annually to continue operations legally. It's advisable to begin the renewal process at least one month before expiration to avoid gaps in authorization.
Fees and Penalties
Licensing fees vary depending on the type of license and scale of operation. Specific fee schedules are available from KeFS offices and the eCitizen portal. Operating without a valid license constitutes an offense under the Fisheries Act and can result in fines, imprisonment, or both. Vessels operating without proper registration face similar penalties, and any illegally caught fish may be forfeited to the government.
Regional Offices
KeFS maintains regional offices throughout Kenya to serve fishers in different areas:
- Mombasa Office: P.O. Box 90423-80100, Tel: +254 41 2221318
- Kisumu Office: Lake Victoria Regional Office, P.O. Box 1084-40100
- Sagana Office: National Aquaculture Research Development & Training Centre, Tel: 0770021277
Additional offices operate in Garissa, Embu, Nakuru, Turkana, Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, Busia, and Kiganjo, serving their respective regions.
Obtaining the proper fisheries licenses in Kenya is not just a legal requirement but a commitment to sustainable resource management. The Kenya Fisheries Service has streamlined the licensing process through online platforms and regional offices, making it more accessible to all stakeholders. Whether you're a seasoned fisher or entering the industry, ensuring compliance with licensing requirements protects both your livelihood and Kenya's valuable aquatic resources for future generations. For the most current information and application forms, visit the KeFS website or contact their offices directly.
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